# authzed-vs-openfga

Source: https://startwithidentity.com/compare/authzed-vs-openfga/
Last updated: 2026-06-19
License: content by Start with Identity. Cite the source URL.

---

## The honest comparison

AuthZed (the company behind SpiceDB) and OpenFGA are the two leading open implementations of Google Zanzibar-style relationship-based access control (ReBAC). Both let you model fine-grained, relationship-driven permissions ("user X is editor of document Y") and check them at scale. SpiceDB/AuthZed emphasizes a production-hardened engine with commercial support and a managed offering; OpenFGA is a CNCF sandbox project originating from Auth0/Okta with a fast-growing community.

## When AuthZed wins

- You want a commercially supported, production-proven Zanzibar implementation
- A managed service (AuthZed Cloud) or enterprise support is important
- Advanced features like consistency controls and large-scale performance are priorities
- You are standardizing fine-grained authorization across many services and want vendor backing

## When OpenFGA wins

- You prefer a vendor-neutral, CNCF-governed open-source project
- Tight fit with the Okta/Auth0 ecosystem and its tooling is useful
- A straightforward developer experience and strong docs accelerate adoption
- You want to self-host without a commercial relationship

## Pricing

Both have free open-source cores (SpiceDB and OpenFGA). AuthZed adds paid managed and enterprise tiers; OpenFGA is community-driven with managed options available through partners and the broader Okta ecosystem.

## Verdict

Choose [AuthZed](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/authorization/authzed/) when you want commercial support and a battle-tested Zanzibar engine behind your authorization layer. Choose [OpenFGA](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/authorization/openfga/) for a CNCF-governed, community-first project, especially within the Okta ecosystem. For policy-as-code engines rather than ReBAC, compare [OpenFGA vs Cerbos](https://startwithidentity.com/compare/openfga-vs-cerbos/) and see the [authorization guide](https://startwithidentity.com/guides/authorization/) and [category](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/authorization/).